How quick we are to judge others.
1st Corinthians 4:5 says, “So don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time—before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due.”
I think this is a real problem with those who are in church bearing the name Christian, which should mean “Christ-like” but who think they are Christ Himself and that they are the ones with the right to say who is right, who is wrong, who is accepted and who should be rejected.
I am all for standing by our doctrines and standing by the word of God and not letting anyone distort it and try to persuade us other wise.
I am all for reaching those who are lost, wayward and need direction to The Way, The Truth and The Life.
I just feel like all to often we are putting others down rather than giving them a hand up. When i read bumper stickers that say, “God save us from your children.” I realize we, the body of Christ are maybe known more for what we are against, not what we stand for.
How can i keep this post fairly short? Let me just simply say,
“I am having to focus on myself and my relationship with Christ, and hope others are not tripping over the splinters coming from the log that is in my own eye. And when i do that i notice others want the truth, peace, joy and relationship I have with Christ. A relationship not a religion in which i am trying to persuade or convince others to join.”
So consider with me if you will some of the lyrics from this song “Witch Hunt”. The first part musically and lyrically paints the picture or an angry mod of people who are after someone who was even just a little different and they are dead set on finding them and destroying them (not reaching them to try to help them or consider how they may need to be shown a better way).
Then we get to the lyrics, “those who know what’s best for us must rise and save us from ourselves.”
– without going into a rant and rage i am just going to say, i personally feel and have felt for sometime that too many “Christians” think THEY are the ones to save others, rather than depending on The power of The Holy Spirit and God’s saving Grace and miraculous work that stats deep in someones heart when we simply plant a seed and another person waters it.
It is so hard to believe that we have gone through times in history where people would literally kill anyone who did not believe according to how they believed. Here in St. Augustine, FL i cringe every time i hear that those who pledged to the Catholic faith were killing those who pledged to the Protestant faith if they would not convert to the Catholic faith. WHAT?! Yes, you all know it is true, those who believed in the same power and saving Grace of the same Christ – The very same Son Of God, killing each other.
more lyrics:
“Quick to judge quick to anger slow to understand
ignorance and prejudice and fear walk hand in hand…”
Those who are truly Christians, may this be a plea, as it has been through Scripture; “understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.” (James 1:19-21)
This song deals with fear, persecution and the public rush to judgment that has historically occurred. I took this rendition from the youtube channel “Still Kickin” -they did an amazing job setting this powerful song into a visual format.
I hope that YOU, my friends, will not be going on any “Witch Hunts”
For other post that take Rush songs and share a double meaning for me personally, go to: Moving Pictures -The Series.
Pressing On,
Tom “Beetle” Bailey
I work at The Salvation Army of Saint Augustine, Florida
That is also my church. Visit our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/The-Salvation-Army-of-Saint-Augustine-204243596357064/timeline/
And if you’re ever in beautiful Saint Augustine, Florida visit us
at 1425 Old Dixie Highway Saint Augustine, FL 32084
M-F 8am-4:30pm
Wednesday Nights 6:30pm Men & Women’s Ministry
Thursday Nights 6:30pm Bible Study
Sundays
10am Bible Study Sunday School
11am Worship/holiness Service
6pm Salvation Service
We also offer opportunities for “Community Care” visits, projects and more
call me at 904-824-6956 Ext. 4407
tombeetlebailey 